“Incredible signing, unbelievable” – Pep Guardiola lauds Marc Guehi’s attitude after costly Everton mistake | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has describing Marc Guehi as “an incredible signing” for Manchester City ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.

Guehi joined City from Crystal Palace for £20 million in January and has been one of the most consistent performers in Guardiola’s backline since his arrival, forming a dependable partnership with Abdukodir Khusanov in a period in which both Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol have been sidelined through injury.

The 25-year-old addressed a costly error he made in a 3-3 draw with Everton quickly and immediately, a response Guardiola referenced in a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s visit from Crystal Palace, where Guehi spent five years before his departure in January.

Guardiola: That defines the big, big players

Reflecting on Guehi’s attention to detail and character in responding to setbacks, Guardiola showered praise on the England international, who is set to start against his former club at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

“An incredible signing. His focus in every single detail in the game, in his private life, to be a professional is unbelievable,” Guardiola said on the former Eagles captain.

“An unbelievable signing for Manchester City, we are really pleased with his behaviour, how he accepts bad moments and turns around immediately. That defines the big, big players in the big clubs. Really pleased!”

The specific mention of how Guehi responds to bad moments is a pointed one given the context. The error against Everton that contributed to City’s second-half collapse drew widespread attention, with Guehi issuing a public statement taking personal responsibility immediately after the game.

What is the wider context for Guehi’s City career?

Wednesday’s trip to Selhurst Park carries obvious personal significance for Guehi, who has seamlessly integrated to life at the Etihad Stadium since moving from south London to the north-west in January.

His performances since arriving at the Etihad Stadium have been a consistent bright spot in a season that has required his defensive partnership with Khusanov to carry significant responsibility during the injury-hit run-in.

With City needing to win all remaining games to keep the title race alive, Guardiola’s public backing of Guehi ahead of one of the most emotionally charged fixtures of his recent career is as clear a show of confidence as any player could wish for heading into the final fortnight of the season.